Friday Newsletter

May 1, 2026

This weeks bulletin

May 3, 2026

This Sunday

10 am: Worship Service

11 am: Coffee Hour

Flowers are from Michele Hare on behalf of her mother, Rev. Sharon Hare, for Mother's Day.

View Live Stream Here

Upcoming Events

May 31 @ 11:30am - 1:30pm

Child Protection Training for volunteers, elders & staff

Don't see your meeting or event on the calendar? email the details to the office @ office@salemwestpres.org ASAP to ensure your booking!

From the Pastor's Desk:

On the first Sunday of the month, between January – June 2026, the sermon will include discussion of childhood sexual abuse. This initiative is part of Westminster’s response to the 2025 Scouts lawsuit in which Westminster was named. We learned in March 2026 that the case will follow a legal pathway that is specific to the nationwide Scouts bankruptcy plan and does not include the sponsoring organizations like churches and civic entities, so Westminster is no longer on the case. Westminster’s deacons and Stephen ministers are available to talk with any member or friend who would like additional support during these Sundays, May 3 & June 7.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions or just to talk. pastorkelly@salemwestpres.org.

Ever onward,

Pastor Kelly

Summer youth internship

May 15 – Applications available

June 5 – Applications due

Week of June 8 – Interviews

Late June – start

Questions? Email Katie in Westminster office, office@salemwestpres.org

Thank you to all of the committees who contributed to the Russell Hall: Next Steps conversation last week. Ongoing feedback continues to be collected on the white board in the library. Reach out to Building & Grounds with any questions. facilitycaretaker@salemwestpres.org

Sunday Morning Bible Study

9:00am in Eastminster Room

This week's verses are Mark 11:20-33

Jesus and the Apostles made quite a stir at the temple gates. The chief priests got the word and now they have something to say, but Jesus has something to say back. Let's find out how this turns out.

Outreach for Social Justice Meeting

All are invited to the Outreach for Social Justice Meeting on Sunday May 17th at 11:45am. We will be discussing our next event.

Questions? Contact Michele Hare - michelehare25x2@gmail.com

NEW! Communication Policy Announcement

Check out our new online announcement form! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfVNuQgB_pj2sCHJFHSAiKImRehErKzRX40FfmThYs06UP1QQ/viewform

Westminster Presbyterian Church has a new Draft Communications Policy. You can find it on our website here: https://www.salemwestpres.org/taking-care-of-business

All newsletter, announcements, and social media requests have a weekly deadline of Wednesday @12pm. All submission after this time will be added to the following week.

There will be printed forms in the office for those who don't have access to a computer!

New Member Class Offered

The spring new member class is happening May 17 and May 31 following worship/fellowship at 11:30 in Russell Hall. Pastor Kelly leads the class, where you will learn more about being Presbyterian, Westminster, and the leadership and committee/activity opportunities. We hope many of you will consider joining this meaningful and fun class. Please email office@salemwestpres.org or contact Katie Nelson, nelsonkatieallstar@gmail.com to sign up or for more information.

Office Clean Up

LAST WEEK TO CLAIM

You’ll notice a table set up next to the mailboxes in the office with a few items on it. If any of those belong to your committee, please swing by and claim them by May 8th. After that date, we’ll be donating whatever’s left.

Thanks so much for helping us keep things tidy!

Questions? Just email us at office@salemwestpres.org. 😊

Red Cross Blood Drive

Red Cross Blood Drive is on May 11th from 1pm to 6pm. Sign up to give: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-time?zipSponsor=97301&driveType=all

Questions? Contact Bill Nelson at bnelson@pacificomm.net

Diaper Drive

Wednesday May 6th will be the final day to bring in diapers.

Creation Care Season Activities

4/19-5/19: Electronics Repurposing and Recycling project- both as individuals and at church; drop off Sunday May 3rd; see info on Social Justice bulletin board for details . Sponsored by Salem Environmental Faith Network and Building and Grounds

5/17: Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon Earth Summit- 1-3 p.m. live in Salem and on zoom.

Registration will open on April 16 at emoregon.org/events. Hub locations to date include Bend, Dallas, Eugene, La Grande, Pendleton, Portland, Salem and Tigard,

April and May: Family home activity-

Help protect local waterways! Visit www.cleanstreamssalem.org for more information. The Clean Streams program is funded through utility fees and helps the City meet outreach and education requirements under its stormwater permit.

April and May: Family Home Activity-go to YouTube and type in The Future of Recycling for the People of Oregon for the 4 minute video.

Questions? Contact Deanie A. deanieha51@gmail.com

Recycle your retired electronic items

CALLING ALL CHURCH MEMBERS:

Recycle your retired electronic items in April and May celebrating Caring for Creation Months

The Salem Environmental Faith Network (SEFN) is encouraging all residents to recycle their retired electronic devices. On Sunday May 3 9:00-1:00 and Monday 4 before noon, you can bring your devices to Westminster. From here they will be picked up by church members with pickups and delivered to Garten Services on May 4.

But, don’t hesitate as individual households to take your 7 or less items directly to Garten, tell them it is part of SEFN project and ask for a poundage receipt.

Key details regarding the Oregon E-Cycles program:

What is covered (Free): TVs, monitors, computers (desktop/laptop), tablets, and in some cases, peripherals like keyboards/mice, no medical equipment..

The Limit: The free, convenient, year-round program is designed for consumers bringing seven or fewer items at one time.

Exceptions: Households and small businesses can bring more than seven items to many locations, but it is highly recommended to call ahead to the collection site and we will be notifying Garten about this for our May 3rd delivery.

Locations: Over 200 sites exist; you can locate them at EcycleOregon.org.

Garten Recycling at

500 Hawthorne Ave SE

Salem, OR 97301

(503) 581-1984

Disposal Ban: It is illegal in Oregon to put TVs, computers, and monitors in the trash.

Garten Foundation mission:

Since 1970, our mission at Garten Services is to support people with disabilities in their effort to contribute to the community through employment, career, and retirement opportunities. We hope that our impact increases society’s awareness on human potential.

Vernadene - deanieha51@gmail.com

Conscientious Objector Workshop

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